Xiamen on a Budget of 600 RMB per Person! Shapowei + Zengcuoan, a Must-Visit for Art Lovers

**Xiamen Travel Guide: Romantic Island × Artsy Town, 4 Days & 3 Nights of Unforgettable Fun!**

Xiamen, a coastal city kissed by sea breezes and brimming with artistic charm, blends the European romance of Gulangyu Island with the youthful energy of the Island Ring Road. In 2025, Xiamen has added even more Instagram-worthy spots and immersive experiences. This guide will help you savor Minnan snacks, fill your camera roll, and explore mountains and seas! 🌊

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**📌 Must-Visit Attractions**

**1. Gulangyu Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site)** 🏝️
📍 **Highlights**: Colonial architecture, artsy alleyways, "Piano Island"
✨ **2025 New Experiences**:
- **Night Tour**: Avoid crowds and enjoy light shows at century-old villas (19:30-21:30).
- **Organ Museum**: Home to the world’s largest pipe organ with daily performances (¥15).
- **Hidden Gems**: Bishan Cave graffiti wall and Moonlight Rock (free sunset views).
📌 **Tips**: Round-trip ferry tickets cost ¥35—book 2 days early on the "Xiamen Ferry" WeChat account!

**2. Xiamen Botanical Garden (Viral Cactus Zone)** 🌵
📍 **Highlights**: Instagrammable rainforest and giant cacti
✨ **Photo Tips**:
- **Foggy Rainforest**: Best during misting hours—9:30-11:00 / 14:30-16:00.
- **Enter via West Gate** and take the ¥10 shuttle to the succulent zone.
📌 **Avoid Scams**: Ignore drivers claiming the garden is "closed"!

**3. Shapowei (Artsy Hotspot)** 🎨
📍 **Highlights**: Old fishing boats + graffiti walls + trendy cafes
✨ **Must-Do List**:
- Snap photos at "SAKE NOMI BAR" for Japanese-style streets.
- Try traditional Minnan flavors at "Auntie Yu’s Taro Buns."
- Catch live performances at "Art West Zone" in the evening.

**4. Island Ring Road Cycling (China’s Most Scenic Coastline)** 🚴
📍 **Route**: Baicheng Beach → Zengcuoan → Music Square → Huangcuo Beach
✨ **Stops Along the Way**:
- **Yefengzhai**: Photo op at the "One Country, Two Systems" sign.
- **Huangcuo Sunrise**: Fewer crowds and better views than Baicheng Beach!

**5. Nanputuo Temple × Xiamen University** 🏯
📍 **Highlights**: A 1,000-year-old temple + China’s most beautiful campus
✨ **Tips**:
- Free entry to Nanputuo; don’t miss their vegan pastries (¥15/box).
- Book XMU visits 3 days early—the Furong Tunnel murals are a must-see!

**6. Shanhai Health Trail (2025’s New Star)** 🌉
📍 **Highlights**: 23-km elevated walkway with panoramic views
✨ **Best Sections**:
- **Wanshi Canghai**: Spiral staircase + Shangli Reservoir (Swiss vibes).
- **Pangui Tower**: 270° ocean-view platform for epic sunsets.

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**🍜 Foodie’s Guide**

**1. Baxian Seafood Market (Old Xiamen Vibes)** 🦞
- **Eat Here**: Shangqing Seafood (pepper-salt mantis shrimp) / A Jie Wuxiang (¥4/stick).
- **Avoid**: Pushy vendors at the entrance!

**2. Zhongshan Road (Minnan Street Food)** 🍢
- **Yuehua Satay Noodles**: Rich broth, customizable toppings.
- **Haoxiang Pork Skewers**: ¥4/skewer—cash only!

**3. Zengcuoan (Touristy but Has Gems)** �
- **Ashin Toast**: Opened by Mayday fans—vanilla ice cream flavor is a hit!
- **Mushroom Legend**: Fried king oyster mushrooms with plum powder—addictive!

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**🚗 Transport & Accommodation**

**✈️ Transport**
- **Gaoqi Airport**: Take Metro Line 1 (scenic coastal section) to downtown.
- **Gulangyu Ferries**: Tourists depart from "XiaGou Pier" to Sanqiutian Pier.
- **Getting Around**: Buses/BRT are convenient; DiDi is cheaper for taxis.

**🏨 Stay**
- **Zhongshan Road/Near Ferry**: Great location—try "Lujiang Hotel" for sea views.
- **Zengcuoan**: Budget B&Bs (noisy; pick newly opened ones in 2025).
- **Gulangyu**: Splurge (¥400+/night) for a peaceful morning.

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**📅 Itinerary Ideas**

**3 Days & 2 Nights (Express)**
- **Day 1**: Gulangyu → Baxian Market → Zhongshan Road at night
- **Day 2**: Botanical Garden → Shapowei → Island Ring Road cycling
- **Day 3**: Nanputuo → XMU → Shanhai Trail sunset

**5 Days & 4 Nights (In-Depth)**
- **Day 4**: Jimei School Village (metro sea views + Ao Garden)
- **Day 5**: Fantawild Oriental Heritage or a tulou day trip ("Yunshuiyao" recommended).

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**💡 Local Tips**
✔ **Avoid Scams**: Taxi drivers’ "Kinmen tours" are fake!
✔ **Weather**: Rainy in May-June; Sept-Nov is ideal.
✔ **Outfits**: Pastel dresses + sunscreen—white outfits pop at Huangcuo Beach.